What is the difference between Rhythm and Timing?

Here’s a question I'm asked from time to time... "What is the difference between Rhythm and Timing?”
Its actually a fairly simple (in understanding) exercise.

The ”rhythm” that we talk about in dance, is not just the slows and quicks that we use to allocate “time ” for each step, but more about HOW the music is written.

The majority of basics are comprised of 2 bars of music. Let's call the 1st bar the ascending one, and the 2nd bar the descending one.

So, how do we recognise the difference?  The piano is a great instrument for defining that.  It quite clearly demonstrates the ”rise and fall” if you wish, of the 2 bars .

The rhythmical side of dance, is being able to express the music using the 2 bars in their correct sequence. Thats where some of the controversy lies.

Depending upon style (Mambo for e.g.) the traditional way is to commence with the “break” step occuring on the 2nd beat of the 1st bar, backwards with the right foot. This  is frequently prepped with a short side or back step with the left foot .

Other styles may commence forward, breaking on the left foot without any Prep-step.

Now that we are dancing “with” the rhythm, but… are we on time ?… the ” timing “, is the beat on which we choose to dance our ”break on“.. as in the 1,2 or 3 of the first bar.

As to the actual count, many prefer the.. 1,2,3.. 5,6,7 method for the Fwd and Back basic.. others use a QQS approach . They both give the same result.

As a beginner, there are some good ground rules that one should attain. Firstly, do not get impressed by the variety that is out there; the most important thing for beginners is to establish a solid foundation.

These are 2 of the most important aspects (in any genre)…… Balance and Frame/Poise .

Develop your skills as required for lead and follow. Once you have acquired a basic format, the most important thing is to now put in as much practice time as is possible .

Be sure, that WHAT you are practicing is correct.  In addition, get perspective on your rate of advancement.. remember, dance is not a sprint, its a marathon.

Next issue.. Cuban motion and footwork/foot postions .